Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Rear end load specs on my 98

[navyjoe]

I have the 98 early edition RAM 2500 Quad cab, 8 foot bed. I am getting ready to buy a Lance 1130 slide-in camper that weights about 3000# min to 3500# max. I am running 265/85R16s rated at 3450# each so I know I'm covered there. I also have the Air Lift 5000# bags. I also increased the rear brake cylinders to the 1" size.



I am wondering about my axle rating. I have a 99 Dodge book and a 2002 book. Both say the payload is rated at 3500# and the rear axle spring and axle rating is 7500# with the Diesel or V10 engine(same as the 3500 ram!).



Does any one have an early 98 book and tell me what it reads?

 

[Bhale]

navyjoe



While i can't give you the answer you're looking for i can tell you my experience in a similar situation. I've got the Lance Squire 8000 (10' 9") that weighs 2880 lbs empty and i've been hauling it around since '96 when we bought it and the truck new. I've weighed the combo a couple times and it averages out to 10,500lbs GVW Figuring 6600lbs for the truck, the camper weighs 3900lbs loaded with water and all the junk we take camping with us. Figure the truck GVW rating is 8800lbs, we're 1700lbs over loaded. Add to that the high center of gravity and the truck is straining.



Like you i have the AirLift super heavy duty air bags and they keep it riding level. I ordered the truck with the Camper Package so i got the rear sway bar and helper springs. Without the AirLift it'll ride on the helper springs and bounce all over the place. I later swapped out the factory sway bar for a heavy duty Hellwig bar and that helpped a lot. The biggest improvement however was the Rancho RS9000 adjustable shocks as they really keep things smooth.



I also went with the larger wheel cylinders for some extra insurance but they aren't enough. I've over heated the brakes 3 times and it's a VERY scary situation! Therefore i strongly suggest you add an exhaust brake to your list. Major improvement! If i had to do it over again i'd get one that goes inline in the exhaust system instead of the elbow mount kind that mounts to the turbo housing. Reason being is that now that i'm adding power i can't go with a bigger turbo that has a 4" outlet, instead i'm stuck with the smaller ones with the 3 1/2" housing.



All in all, with 179,000 miles on the truck, i've had no trouble with the rear. However, i have replaced the 4 ball joints twice, a couple of tie rod ends and changed out the rotors to slotted ones for the added cooling.



Enjoy your new toy!



Brian

 

[navyjoe]

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like you are getting your moneys worth out of your Lance and your truck! My truck has a little over 150K on now. So far, so good!



This camper is 2900# dry and 11' 6" long wich puts it center of gravity at 49 inches. If I undersand it, that pretty well places 100% of the weight on the rear axle. How adding water, generator, and 60# of propane (it has 2 7 gallon tanks) affects that I dont know. My problem is the camper is a 2003 model and hardly used, but only $17000 which seems like a good price so I want to give it a try even if I upgrade the truck later.